Maintenance
It only takes 24 hours for plaque that is not removed from your teeth to turn into calculus (tartar)! Daily home cleaning helps control plaque and tartar formation, but those hard to reach areas will always need special attention.
Once your periodontal therapy has been completed, your dentist and dental hygienist will recommend that you have regular periodontal maintenance visits, usually 4 times a year (every 3 months). At these maintenance appointments, the pocket depths will be carefully checked to ensure that they are healthy. Plaque and calculus that is difficult for you to remove on a daily basis will be removed from above and below the gum line.
In addition to your periodontal maintenance and evaluation, your appointment will usually include:
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Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs): Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss.X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.
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Oral cancer screening: Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, cheek tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
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Oral hygiene recommendations: Review and recommend oral hygiene aids as needed. (Electric toothbrushes, special periodontal brushes, fluorides, rinses, etc.)
Diet recommendations: Review and recommend dietary changes as needed. A diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates will increase the amount of inflammation and bleeding.
Good oral hygiene practices, regular periodontal maintenance visits with your Dental Hygienist, and a healthy diet are essential in maintaining dental health and keeping periodontal disease under control! In some circumstances, it is necessary to be referred to a periodontist
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